Confidential Scheme 1

Chapter 13: The New Recruit

Chloe's POV

Today is weekend and I said that I'm going to chill and spend more time with myself. Only for today. There's a lot of happenings these past few days that I need to kind of like loosen up what's on my mind.

It's really unhealthy if I don't. I just hope that the next days would be peaceful just as the first few days I've spent when I was still new in Hyeoncion University.

When I was still adjusting to the new environment. I mean, right now, I'm still quite familiarizing myself with the places, establishments and other things during my stay here. It's kind of boring the first time but when I met Lorcan, it changed quickly.

My life has been in danger numerous times. I kept telling myself to not worry much about that but there's something in this situation is bothering me. I have lots of questions. But instead of getting answers, day by day I received another set of questions. Yes, set.

But what's new to me? Of course none. Idf someone will ask me, how can you not be bothered considering what's happening around you these past few days? Well, it bothers me. A lot.

Or how can you still stay on the place where something bad is happening to you? The answer would be because I've been through worse things that I didn't even wonder about my surroundings anymore. If I were to compare, what happened in the past is far more tragic and traumatizing than what I'm experiencing right now.

So why would I leave? This is also the place where I genuinely feel the happiness that I am lacking the past years. It's because I have friends to count on to. Some would say, it's just the same, you still feel danger around you.

No, it's not. The difference is that in this situation, I have someone to be with and I have someone to rely on whenever I need to. I gotta be honest but I don't know what I am right now without doing that decision.

The decision that changed my life. Might be exaggerating but that's what exactly I feel. And this chaos or whatever this is, is not completely unnecessary unlike that event.

We have someone to hunt and bring down for his crimes. We're seeking for justice. We're trying to prevent future deaths that might occur earlier that we expected. And turning back isn't the answer at all.

I do know when to let go and give it up but that time is not right now. I won't if I can do it. We won't if WE can do it. It's just the beginning.

"Minji." She looked at me raising her eyebrows politely. "What if I reserve us on a restaurant?" I asked.

She checked the line and it's freaking long. It's actually getting longer.

"I think that's a good idea. I'll just inform Dustin about it." She said nodding.

We're now on the supermarket inside the mall to buy fruits for Lorcan. Today is the day where he's going to discharge from the hospital. Minji, Dustin and I were also buying groceries for us since we need supplies and stock to fill our stomach whenever it's empty.

Not surprising that there's a lot of people right now in the supermarket. It's weekend and so most if not all has free time. Mostly ladies on their mid-30s based on their looks but I'm not sure.

Minji is already in the line even though her groceries were the only complete one. Dustin is currently completing what he's going to buy. We thought that it's much faster for us to pay the things if someone is already in the line.

But unfortunately that's not it.

The line barely even move and we're still on the near end of it. And since this might take longer, I suggested that I reserve us seats on a restaurant to be more convenient. I can't with me just standing there waiting for the people in front to move.

We all didn't take lunch yet so I think it's just right. Surprisingly, the restaurant I am in right now is not fully crowded. There's still available seats good for two or more people.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. Can I take your order please?" The girl on the counter greeted me with a smile.

Then I told her all of my orders and she gave receipt right after I paid. She also gave a tiny standy that has number in it so it's much easier for the waiter to serve it later.

I took the way on the right side of the counter and turned right again. There's less people in here than those in front of the counter. It's better.

I took a sit on the 2nd to the last table good for four on the hallway. The last table right behind me is occupied so I chose this. The temperature here is warmer because the air condition is far away and it's so relaxing. It's not that warm by the way, I can still feel the cool breeze.

According to the gurl on the counter, I need to wait for 30 minutes before the order is served. Not quite that much considering that Minji and Dustin might spend some time in the supermarket.

I took my phone out and browse on the internet so I would get bored while waiting.

"Hahaha!"

"What are you all laughing at?"

I heard the girls on my back laughing. Maybe that's why because they chose the spot. Cause they knew they would be noisy.

"The way you sip the coffee is obnoxious. I can't believe someone coming from a rich family is like that."

"Is it required to sip classy if you're rich?"

"Oh well, of course not. I'm just saying."

"It's been 30 minutes yet they still didn't serve our order. Tsk! You know what, I'm going in there okay?"

In my peripheral vision, a girl with long ponytailed hair with pink dress walks to the direction where the counter is located. She is probably the one who said that she'll take the order.

A few minutes later, the gurk came back with tray in her hand. She's struggling not to spill any drinks that was on top of it. It took a while before she successfully reached the table.

"Sheesh, omg." She sighed.

"Where's the waiter? Why are you the one who brought this?"

"I know right! They can't even do their jobs right, it's kinda annoying."

Seconds later, I am hearing cups and plates being placed on a specific place. They're literally behind me. I am looking the opposite way where I cannot see them.

"Wait! Where's my latte?" Some girl asked.

"Did you order latte?"

"Why not? It's my favorite, didn't know you know?" Then she sighed.

"I'm just gonna go and get my latte. You definitely missed it because you rushed." I don't know if it's her natural voice but the way she said it sounds sarcastic.

Then again, in my perioheral vision, a blonde girl with shoulder hair length wearing stylish jumpers went to the counter. Well, that's what she just said.

"Stacy tell us exactly what happened."

"I can't take it anymore. I'm starving." She whispered but I can still hear it. I have to act like I don't.

Then not exceeding two minutes later, the girl came back with mug on his right hand. It must've probably her latte.

"Mmm see? I ordered this so how come it's not included?"

Then I heard a splash of liquid behind me. The girls also let out a scream. I can't let myself but to look at it. The coffee spilled on the table. It probably slipped on the girl's hand earlier.

"Brenda! Why are you so clumsy?"

"Clumsy? Didn't you the one who blocked my hand. It's your fault!"

"Are you serious? I was trying to help you put it on here." She pointed the table.

"Well that didn't help!"

"Girls. Girls, just chill okay? This is just a coffee. I'll be right back." Then the girl who said it walk to where she was heading.

I can say that the girl is the most matured out of all of them. Just one sentence from her then they all shut theur mouths and didn't utter a single word. It somehow reminds me Minji and I who always right there whenever Lorcan and Dustin were about to kill each other.

Like how many times did they fight over a little thing? The problem is that Lorcan is too serious about something then there's Dustin who always joked about something. They just didn't work well together.

But that's enough for the thoughts because it's really unnecessary. I pay attention to my phone again and looked at it.

Then I heard footsteps coming towards.

"This. Sorry that's the only available tissue on the counter so..."

"Is this really from the counter?" Someone asked.

"Yes. Where would it came from other than that?"

"I don't know maybe comfort room? Well I guess it's better than nothing."

Then there's ilent for a few minutes straight when...

"Ehe! Ehe-ehe! Hu!" Someone from behind me is coughing. It sounds like something was stuck in their throat.

When I heard a loud thud on the floor, I quickly looked and stood.

"Ah!"

"OMG!"

"Cally? Cally!"

One girl from on of the four was on the floor lying and not moving. What's more disturbing is that her eyes is wide opened but were not moving. Some white foamy liquid is dripping down hher mouth.

"What happened here?"

I was stunned when I looked at the man who asked.

"Chloe?"

"Blaze. What are you doing here?"

"I got a meeting with someone. And we're currently discussing about something until..."

He looked at the girl who's still lying down the floor. I looked at that too.

"Help us!"

"What we're gonna do?"

"What are you doing? Help us!"

Blaze stepped forward and...

"You might not want to touch her. This is a crime scene now."

~~~

"I assure you that we'll be able to reveal the culprit's identity." Blaze said to the police officer stood before him.

"You know that I trust you, Blaze. Do it."

Blaze nodded and he looked at me. We then turned our faces to the three suspects stood before us. All of them were crying. One of the them must be faking it. Or probably regretted what she have done.

The victim, Cally Asistio, was already dead when paramedics arrived here. She had no pulse. It's so tragic that she died that way.

Blaze told me that he's discussing something with someone. That someone turned out to be a police officer. When I asked him about it, he said that he'll just explain everything later. We just need to focus on revealing the killer. At first, I was shocked when he asked the police officer to have us solve the case. But right now, I know why is that.

"Where did you go right after you took the tray?" Blaze asked the first suspect aka Stacy, the girl with ponytail.

"I-I just took it from the counter then I w-went back right after." Stacy said still sniffling.

He then looked at the girl on the middle which is Jacintha.

"I'm innocent, believe me. I can't do that to my bestfriend. When Brenda's latte spilled on the table, I told them to wait because I'm just going to take tissues."

"Just like what Jacintha said, my latte spilled. Earlier than that I take it right from the counter because Stacy took the tray earlier so my latte was not included in there."

"Can you explain why did you took the tray on a rush?" Blaze asked. Then Stacy burst out crying. She can'g seem to suppress her feelings anymore.

Must be because she's shocked by what happened to her friend or because she regretted ending her life if ever she was the killer. But honestly, I have someone in my mind whom I think who did it.

"I heard them earlier." I whispered to him and he looked at me. "She said she was hungry and can't her hunger anymore. She even murmured it."

He then looked again to them.

"How long did it took Jacintha to go back?"

"Probably 2-3 minutes. Not exceeding 5 minutes I believe. Why?" Brenda explained.

"Jacintha. Do you mind me asking why did you poisoned your bestfriend?"

Stacy and Brenda gasped. They seemed shock by Dustin's question. We have the same person in mind. One and only Jacintha.

"W-wait. Are you saying..." Stacy looked at Jacintha. Tears welled up her eyes again. "Jacintha?"

Jacintha took deep breaths then she bursted out with rage.

"YES! yes! I killed her? SHE DESERVED IT! I can't let her end with Seunghon again. I love him!" Then Stacy immediately pulled her hair and continue slapping her while crying.

Good thing the police officers were watching us and they ran to the girls to prevent any fights between them. Brenda lost her consciousness so she was brought to hospital. As well as Stacy who's still crying with raging emotions.

"That's how dangerous obsession is." Blaze said as we followed them being escorted by the police officers outside.

"That was quick. Can you tell me why do you think it's her?"

"The first girl whispered her reason which is she's hungry. Whispering is a sign of sincerity since she's embarassed about that for some reason. Brenda wouldn't have done just because of a spill. Some drops of latte, sprinkled all over her donut which she ate. If ever the poison is in there, she would've die as well. And that leaves one person, Jacintha."

We have the same conclusion but I do not share the same thoughts as him. His reasoning is far more detailed and made more sense when explained. While mine was obviously not enough.

"Jacintha put the poison on the tissue paper. It's powder so you just need to blow it to the water or any liquid you want to put it to. Jacintha found the right timing where she can put it in Cally's drink being less suspicious. But honestly not really. Even 3rd graders would solve this case. I thought this was complicated."

I saw another side of him. And that's really interesting.

"Can you now tell me why you're here?"

"My uncle."

"He's your uncle?"

"Yes."

Then the police officer walked towards us.

He's focused on Blaze.

"As expected, you finished the case. Mind telling me who's this beautiful girl beside you?" He turned his look on me.

"Uhm, I'm Chloe Park, Sir. I'm Dustin's

classmate."

"Oh is that so? Well, Ms. Park I'm sorry to say but me and Dustin needs to get going. We're gonna talk about important things."

"Oh well, that's okay Sir. I have some friends with me so..." I didn't finish what I was about to say when I realized something.

"What is it?" Blaze asked.

"Oh, nothing. You can go ahead now. I'm going back to the restaurant too."

He nodded then they walk away. I also walk as fast as I could to the restaurant where I'm just in earlier. Why does case follow me even on my chill day? I guess this day is not thag chill anymore.

Sigh.

When I arrived, I saw them already sitting on the spot where am I earlier.

"Where did you go, Chloe? We were texting you." Minji said.

"I'm sorry, guys. I was too pre-occupied. I-I mean WE. We just solved a case."

"We?" Dustin was confused.

"I'll just explain it to you later. For now, ket's just enjoy the food." I said.

"Right cause I'm really starving." Dustin replied.

Blaze impressed me this day. Even though he said that 3rd graders can solve that case. I don't think so. I think the case is just too easy for him. But not for me. He's good at hand to hand combat but I'm not aware that he's good at being a detective at all.

I am thinking of how can he be there wherever am I. But that's not the number thought on my mind. That is...

I'm thinking of recruiting him on the club.